ASSESSMENT OF GROSS ALPHA AND GROSS ETA INDEX IN CEMENTS

F. Piero-Garca 1
E. Chham 2
M.A. Ferro-Garca 3

ABSTRACT
This research analyses the results of Gross and Gross index for 23 cements in order to use
these index as parameter to control the radiological quality of the Construction Materials.
Gross index ranged from 144.9 18.6 Bq/kg to 4075.8 76.8 Bq/kg, with a mean specific
activity of 656.6 22.7 Bq/kg. Gross varied between 28.8 8.2 Bq/kg and 1528.4 26.4
Bq/kg with an average activity of 369.7 12.7 Bq/kg. The results confirm that these global
indexes could be used as reference parameter to test reference level laid down in Article 75 of
the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2013/59/EURATOM in order to control their radiological hazards.
Keywords: Gross alpha index, Gross beta index, Construction Materials, Natural Radioactivity.

F. Piero-Garca, Radiochemistry and Environmental Radiology Laboratory, Inorganic Chemical Department,

Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, franciscopigar@ugr.es.
2
E. Chham, Radiochemistry and Environmental Radiology Laboratory, Inorganic Chemical Department, Faculty of
Sciences, University of Granada, saidchham@gmail.com.
3
M.A. Ferro-Garca, Radiochemistry and Environmental Radiology Laboratory, Inorganic Chemical Department,
Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, ferro@ugr.es.

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